2 North Port officers placed on leave

Published: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 10:55 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 4:48 p.m.

NORTH PORT - The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has opened a criminal investigation into some North Port Police Department officers after Chief Kevin Vespia asked the agency to look into a complaint.

Vespia said two of his officers are now on administrative leave as a result of the investigation.

Authorities could not discuss the investigation because a Florida statute would allow the officers being investigated to file a motion to restrain the department if it or any of its officers released information about the case, which would jeopardize the entire investigation.

Neither Vespia nor Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Wendy Rose would say how many officers were involved or what they may have done.

Vespia said after the Sheriff's Department finishes its investigation, the Police Department will likely open an internal investigation.

“The reason we reached out to the Sheriff's Office is, one, it's policy and, two, is a perception of bias,” Vespia said. “We want to make sure it's done correctly and that the facts come out.”

EARLIER: The North Port Police Department has opened an administrative investigation into the conduct of some of its officers.

Police Chief Kevin Vespia said in a statement that the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office would be assisting the department with the investigation into allegations against several officers.

Vespia would not say which officers or how many are under investigation, citing a Florida statute that governs internal law enforcement investigations.

“The department will take the necessary steps to investigate any allegations made against its members to ensure we maintain the public trust,” the statement said.

<p><em>NORTH PORT</em> - The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has opened a criminal investigation into some North Port Police Department officers after Chief Kevin Vespia asked the agency to look into a complaint.</p><p>Vespia said two of his officers are now on administrative leave as a result of the investigation.</p><p>“This doesn't happen frequently,” Vespia said. “But any time there's a complaint, we'll follow up.”</p><p>Authorities could not discuss the investigation because a Florida statute would allow the officers being investigated to file a motion to restrain the department if it or any of its officers released information about the case, which would jeopardize the entire investigation.</p><p>Neither Vespia nor Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Wendy Rose would say how many officers were involved or what they may have done.</p><p>Vespia said after the Sheriff's Department finishes its investigation, the Police Department will likely open an internal investigation.</p><p>“The reason we reached out to the Sheriff's Office is, one, it's policy and, two, is a perception of bias,” Vespia said. “We want to make sure it's done correctly and that the facts come out.”</p><p>EARLIER: The North Port Police Department has opened an administrative investigation into the conduct of some of its officers.</p><p>Police Chief Kevin Vespia said in a statement that the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office would be assisting the department with the investigation into allegations against several officers.</p><p>Vespia would not say which officers or how many are under investigation, citing a Florida statute that governs internal law enforcement investigations.</p><p>“The department will take the necessary steps to investigate any allegations made against its members to ensure we maintain the public trust,” the statement said.</p><p><i>Check back at HeraldTribune.com for more on this developing story. </i></p>